If you are an early career researcher looking to establish your research career in the UK, applications are now open for the British Academy International Fellowships 2025. This prestigious programme provides outstanding international researchers with the opportunity to conduct innovative research at a UK institution while benefiting from career development support and networking opportunities. Funded by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the fellowship aims to attract global talent and build long-term research connections. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting opportunity!
British Academy International Fellowships Summary
Location: United Kingdom
Host Institutions: UK higher education institutions, research institutes, and independent research organisations
Target Group: Early career researchers from outside the UK
Academic Level: Postdoctoral research
Research Fields: Humanities and social sciences
Funding: Salary at 80% Full Economic Cost (FEC), research expenses up to £12,000, relocation costs up to £8,000, visa and associated costs
Duration: 2 years
Application Deadline: 18 March 2025
Start Date: Between October 2025 and March 2026
Fellowship Overview
The British Academy International Fellowships programme supports early career researchers in gaining international experience and developing independent research careers. Fellows will undertake high-quality, original research with a focus on academic excellence. The programme also offers training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, ensuring that fellows can build strong professional relationships and advance their careers.
Fellows will be expected to engage fully in research activities, with a commitment to spending 100% of their award time on research-related work. Some teaching is permitted but must not exceed five hours per week.
Research Fields and Projects
Applicants must propose research projects in the humanities or social sciences. Eligible research areas include but are not limited to:
Archaeology, anthropology, and geography
Classical antiquity
Economics and economic history
History (medieval, early modern, modern)
Law, political science, and international relations
Linguistics, philology, and modern languages
Philosophy, psychology, sociology, and education
Art, music, culture, media, and performance studies
ℹ️ Creative practice-based outputs (such as music composition, creative writing, and filmmaking) are eligible if they form part of a broader critical or historical research project.
Fellowship Funding and Benefits
The fellowship offers comprehensive financial and institutional support, including:
A salary contribution at 80% FEC, comparable to academic positions at an equivalent career stage
Research expenses up to £12,000
Relocation costs up to £8,000 (higher amounts may be considered with justification)
Visa and associated costs (including Immigration Health Surcharge)
Childcare cost support for research-related travel
Costs for necessary research-related travel, fieldwork, conferences, training, and dissemination activities
Flexibility for part-time arrangements due to health or caring responsibilities
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the British Academy International Fellowships, applicants must:
Hold a doctoral degree or be in the final stages of their PhD, with completion before the start of the fellowship
Have no more than seven years of full-time postdoctoral experience, excluding career breaks
Be based outside the UK and hold no UK citizenship
Not have lived, worked, or undertaken research in the UK in the 12 months prior to application (except for short visits under three months or refugee status)
Not be currently employed by a UK organisation
Not be returning to their UK-based PhD institution or supervisor unless exceptional justification is provided
Demonstrate competency in English
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted in collaboration with a UK-based sponsor, who will provide mentorship and support throughout the fellowship. The UK sponsor must be an independent researcher employed by a recognised UK institution.
The application process involves:
1. Developing a Research Proposal:
The proposal must outline the research aims, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to the chosen discipline.
2. Securing a UK Sponsor:
Applicants must work closely with a UK academic sponsor to refine their project and ensure institutional support.
3. Online Application
After securing a UK sponsor, you can proceed to submitting your application through British Academy's online application portal before the deadline on 18 March 2025.
3. Required Documents:
Research proposal
Personal statement detailing research experience and career development goals
Confirmation of English proficiency
Justification for research expenses and relocation costs
Statement from the UK sponsor outlining their support for the project
Assessment Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based on:
The applicant’s research track record and potential for independent research
The academic merit and feasibility of the research proposal
The suitability of the UK sponsor and host institution
The contribution of the fellowship to the applicant’s career development
Final decisions will be made following a rigorous peer-review process.
ℹ️ Further Information
For more details, including application guidelines Download the scheme guidance notes [PDF] or visit this webpage.
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
Comments